Koufonisia and Rina Cave Full-Day Cruise with Lunch from Naxos

Agia Anna and the East Coast of Naxos

The cruise starts from the little port of Agia Anna, a seaside village on the west coast of Naxos, about ten minutes south of Naxos town, known for its sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere. Check-in is at 08:45 and the boat leaves at 09:00. After rounding the southern tip of the island, the boat follows the coast eastwards past secluded bays, sea cliffs and long stretches of untouched shoreline.

This part of Naxos is wild and hard to reach by car, so the sea is the best way to see it. Coffee and refreshments are served on board as you sail, and the crew shares tips about the islands ahead. In July and August the northerly meltemi wind can make the sea lively, so travellers prone to seasickness should take precautions before departure.

Kato Koufonisi

Kato Koufonisi, the lower and almost uninhabited of the two Koufonisia islands, is a true hidden paradise: low rocky hills, a tiny white chapel, a few fishermen's huts and beaches of pale sand lapped by impossibly clear, shallow water. There are no cars and very few buildings, and the sea here shines in every shade of turquoise.

The boat anchors off the coast rather than docking, and ladders let you slip straight into the sea for about an hour and a half of swimming and snorkelling. While you swim, the crew fires up the barbecue for a Greek lunch on board with salad, fresh bread, fruit and grilled skewers, plus vegetarian and vegan options on request. It is the perfect introduction to a Koufonisia day trip from Naxos.

Ano Koufonisi

Ano Koufonisi is the inhabited sister island, one of the most charming in the Aegean. Its single village, Chora, spreads along the harbour with whitewashed houses, blue shutters, an old windmill and small cafés. A coastal path leads east to a string of sandy coves such as Fanos and Platia Pounta, and further to the natural rock pool of Pori, where the sea has carved a sheltered basin.

You have about two and a half hours of free time to explore the village lanes, swim at a beach near the port, or enjoy a traditional Greek coffee overlooking the sea. Is Koufonisia worth visiting? Many travellers say it has the most beautiful water in the Cyclades. For travellers asking how to get to Koufonisia, ferries link it with Naxos, but this cruise is the easiest way to visit in one day.

Rina Cave

On the way back to Naxos, the boat stops at Rina Cave, a dramatic sea cave in the rugged coastline, whose wide mouth opens onto deep, clear water that glows blue inside. You can swim into the cave, jump directly from the boat into the sea, climb the surrounding rocks or snorkel to discover fish and sea urchins on the rocky seabed.

The stop lasts about an hour, enough time to swim at your own rhythm or simply take photos from the deck. Keep an eye on the open water around the boat: dolphins are often spotted playing in this area. Life jackets and pool noodles are available for children and less confident swimmers, and the crew keeps watch throughout the swim stop.

The Small Cyclades and When to Go

Koufonisia belong to the Small Cyclades, a cluster of little islands between Naxos and Amorgos that also includes Iraklia, Schoinoussa and Donoussa. Nearby lies the uninhabited island of Keros, a protected archaeological site of the early Cycladic civilisation. Together they form one of the quietest and most unspoilt corners of the Aegean, with clear water, simple island life and very little development.

The best time to visit Koufonisia is from June to September, when the water is warmest; June and September usually bring calmer seas than the windy peak of summer. If strong winds or rough seas make the trip unsafe, the cruise is moved to another date or refunded. The boat returns to Agia Anna port at about 18:30, in time for sunset on the west coast.